scholarly journals Borrelia Infections in Ageing Ticks: Relationship with Morphometric Age Ratio in Field-Collected Ixodes ricinus Nymphs

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 166
Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Daniela Jordan ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Olaf Kahl ◽  
Volker Fingerle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Physiological Age ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Species Differentiation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Age Ratio ◽  
Causative Agents

In Europe, Ixodes ricinus plays a major role as a vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) spirochaetes, the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis, among other pathogens. In unfed ticks, Borrelia spirochaetes experience prolonged nutrient restriction. However, only few studies exist with regard to Borrelia infections in unfed ticks of different physiological ages. Changing body dimensions of unfed ticks, due to the consumption of energy reserves, allow physiological age estimation. The present study investigated the relationship of morphometric age with Borrelia prevalence and spirochaete load in 1882 questing I. ricinus nymphs, collected at two different locations in northern Germany in 2020. In addition, Borrelia species composition was investigated by employing a reverse line blot (RLB) probe panel suitable for the detection of ten different B. burgdorferi s.l. species, as well as the relapsing-fever spirochaete B. miyamotoi. Overall, Borrelia prevalence was 25.8% (485/1882). Whilst there was no statistically significant difference in Borrelia prevalence between the different morphometric age groups, Borrelia infection intensity as determined by probe-based quantitative real-time PCR significantly declined with increasing morphometric age. Borrelia species differentiation by RLB was successful in 29.5% of positive ticks, and revealed B. afzelii as the dominating species (65.0% of the differentiated infections). Additionally, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. spielmanii, and B. miyamotoi were detected.

Infestation of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) resident in the Northeastern Poland by Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks and their infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

2007 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Gryczyńska-Siemiątkowska ◽  
Alicja Siedlecka ◽  
Joanna Stańczak ◽  
Miłosława Barkowska
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Northeastern Poland ◽  
Lacerta Agilis ◽  
Etiological Agents ◽  
Age And Sex

AbstractSand lizards (Lacerta agilis) were trapped and examined for ticks from May to September in 2002 and 2003 in Northeastern Poland. A total of 233 Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks (76 larvae and 157 nymphs) was found on 31 of 235 captured lizards (13.2%). The tick infestation is relatively low compared to that of mammals and passerine birds from the same area (Siński et al. 2006, Gryczyńska et al. 2002). Tick infestation depended on the month of capture, being the highest in spring. In autumn no ticks were recorded on any of the captured lizards. The oldest lizards carried the highest number of ticks but no differences related to sex of the host were found. All the collected ticks were analysed by PCR for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the etiological agents of Lyme disease. Spirochetes were detected in 11 out of 233 (4.7%) ticks tested. Genetic analysis confirmed that the spirochetes are members of the Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto genospecies. Mixed infection were not detected. The prevalence of infection was analysed in relation to months of the capture, age and sex of the lizards, but differences were not statistically significant. The obtained results suggest that lizards are probably not B. burgdorferi reservoirs, but further studies are required to confirm this.

scholarly journals Genetic Heterogeneity of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected in Belgium

1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 3352-3354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Christine Misonne ◽  
Georges Van Impe ◽  
Philippe P. Hoet
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus Ticks ◽  
Biogeographic Regions ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Comparison Of The Results

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the etiological agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted by the bite of Ixodes ricinus. Four hundred eighty-nine ticks, collected in four locations of a region of southern Belgium where Lyme disease is endemic, were examined for the presence of the spirochete. In a PCR test with primers that recognize a chromosomal gene of all strains, 23% of the ticks were found to be infected. The species B. burgdorferi s.l. comprises at least three pathogenic genomospecies, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.),Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia afzelii, which could be distinguished in PCR tests with species-specific primers that correspond to distinct plasmid sequences. B. garinii was most prevalent (53% of infected ticks), followed by B. burgdorferi s.s. (38%) and B. afzelii (9%). Of the infected ticks, 40% were infected with a single species, 40% were infected with two species, and 5% were infected with all three species. For 15% of the ticks, the infecting species could not be identified. No difference in rates of prevalence was observed among the four locations, which had similar ground covers, even though they belonged to distinct biogeographic regions. A greater heterogeneity of spirochetal DNA in ticks than in cultured reference DNA was suggested by a comparison of the results of PCRs with two different sets of species-specific primer sequences.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from southern Poland

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna K. Strzelczyk ◽  
Jadwiga Gaździcka ◽  
Piotr Cuber ◽  
Marek Asman ◽  
Gizela Trapp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Rflp Analysis ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus Ticks ◽  
Human Infections

AbstractIn 2008-2011 ticks were collected from southern Poland. Out of 6336 individuals collected and identified as Ixodes ricinus, 768 (2 larvae, 84 nymphs, 417 females, 265 males) were included in molecular study. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect the presence of pathogens in ticks. Subsequently the amplified DNA was digested with TasI enzyme. The infection rate was 15% (116) of examined ticks. PCR-RFLP analysis allowed distinguishing three genospecies of B. burgdorferi s.l.: B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. garinii. RFLP analyses of 116 positive samples revealed 96 (83%) monoinfections and 13 (11%) coinfections, whereas unidentified genospecies were present in 7 (6%) of positive samples. In the case of monoinfections, B. burgdorferi s.s. was the predominant species of pathogen in infected ticks - 61.4%. Other genospecies: B. garinii and B. afzelii were detected in 22.9% and 15.6% of the samples, respectively. To sum up, 15 % of ticks were infected by B. burgdorferi s.l which increases the risk of human infections in the recreational areas of southern Poland. Furthermore, there is a need to increase public awareness and implement more preventive measures concerning Lyme disease.

Liver Elastography in Healthy Children Using Three Different Systems – How Many Measurements Are Necessary?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Batman Mjelle ◽  
Anesa Mulabecirovic ◽  
Roald Flesland Havre ◽  
Edda Jonina Olafsdottir ◽  
Odd Helge Gilja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Wave ◽  
Transient Elastography ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Liver Stiffness ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pediatric Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Elastography

Abstract Purpose Liver elastography is increasingly being applied in screening for and follow-up of pediatric liver disease, and has been shown to correlate well with fibrosis staging through liver biopsy. Because time is of the essence when examining children, we wanted to evaluate if a reliable result can be achieved with fewer acquisitions. Materials and Methods 243 healthy children aged 4–17 years were examined after three hours of fasting. Participants were divided into four age groups: 4–7 years; 8–11 years; 12–14 years and 15–17 years. Both two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE; GE Logiq E9) and point shear wave elastography (pSWE; Samsung RS80A with Prestige) were performed in all participants, while transient elastography (TE, Fibroscan) was performed in a subset of 87 children aged 8–17 years. Median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 acquisitions were compared with the median value of 10 acquisitions (reference standard). Comparison was performed for all participants together as well as within every specific age group. We investigated both the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with absolute agreement and all outliers more than 10 %, 20 % or ≥ 0.5 or 1.0 kPa from the median of 10 acquisitions. Results For all three systems there was no significant difference between three and ten acquisitions, with ICCs ≥ 0.97. All systems needed 4 acquisitions to achieve no LSM deviating ≥ 1.0 kPa of a median of ten. To achieve no LSM deviating ≥ 20 % of a median of ten acquisitions, pSWE and TE needed 4 acquisitions, while 2D-SWE required 6 acquisitions. Conclusion Our results contradict recommendations of 10 acquisitions for pSWE and TE and only 3 for 2D-SWE.

The influence of osteopathic correction on the rate of various rhythms of the body

2019 ◽  
pp. 64-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Chernikova ◽  
Yu. P. Potekhina
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Dispersion Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Tissues ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Introduction. An osteopathic examination determines the rate, the amplitude and the strength of the main rhythms (cardiac, respiratory and cranial). However, there are relatively few studies in the available literature dedicated to the influence of osteopathic correction (OC) on the characteristics of these rhythms.Goal of research — to study the influence of OC on the rate characteristics of various rhythms of the human body.Materials and methods. 88 adult osteopathic patients aged from 18 to 81 years were examined, among them 30 men and 58 women. All patients received general osteopathic examination. The rate of the cranial rhythm (RCR), respiratory rate (RR) heart rate (HR), the mobility of the nervous processes (MNP) and the connective tissue mobility (CTM) were assessed before and after the OC session.Results. Since age varied greatly in the examined group, a correlation analysis of age-related changes of the assessed rhythms was carried out. Only the CTM correlated with age (r=–0,28; p<0,05) in a statistically significant way. The rank dispersion analysis of Kruskal–Wallis also showed statistically significant difference in this indicator in different age groups (p=0,043). With the increase of years, the CTM decreases gradually. After the OC, the CTM, increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001). The RCR varied from 5 to 12 cycles/min in the examined group, which corresponded to the norm. After the OC, the RCR has increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001), the MNP has also increased (p<0,0001). The initial heart rate in the subjects varied from 56 to 94 beats/min, and in 15 % it exceeded the norm. After the OC the heart rate corresponded to the norm in all patients. The heart rate and the respiratory rate significantly decreased after the OC (р<0,0001).Conclusion. The described biorhythm changes after the OC session may be indicative of the improvement of the nervous regulation, of the normalization of the autonomic balance, of the improvement of the biomechanical properties of body tissues and of the increase of their mobility. The assessed parameters can be measured quickly without any additional equipment and can be used in order to study the results of the OC.

The Influence of Age and Gender on Mandibular Indices among the Libyan Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Bone Mineralization ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
T Test ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Libyan Population

Radiographic Mandibular Indices serve as easy and relatively cheap tools for evaluating bone mineralization. Objectives: To examine the effect of age and gender on three mandibular indices: the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), the mandibular ratio (MR) and the mandibular cortical index (MCI), among Libyan population. Methods: The three indices were measured on 317 digital (OPGs) of adult humans (155 males, 162 females). The sample was divided into six age groups (from 18-25 years through 56-65 years). The measurements were analyzed for interactions with age and sex, using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) software version no. 22. The tests employed were two way ANOVA, the unpaired T-test and chi-square test. Results: The mean PMI fluctuated between 0.37 s.d. 0.012 and 0.38 s.d. 0.012. among the sixth age groups. One-way ANOVA statistical test revealed no significant of age on PMI. On the other hand gender variation has effect on PMI, since independent sample t-test disclosed that the difference between the male and female PMI means statistically significant. ANOVA test showed that the means of MR among age groups showed a negative correlation i.e. MR mean declined from 3.01 in 18-25 age groups to 2.7 in 55-65 age groups. In contrary, the gender showed no effect on MR according two sample t-test at p> 0.05. In regards with MCI, statistical analysis showed that it affected by age that is C1 was decreasing by age while C2 and C3 were increased by age. Using chi square test the result indicated that there is a significant difference among the different age group and the two genders in MCI readings. Conclusion: PMI was influenced significantly by age but minimally by the gender. MR is not affected by gender but has a negative correlation with age. MCI is affected by both age and gender

Properties of Gliricidia Wood (Gliricidia sepium) lntercropped with Cocoa (Theobroma cocoa) in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Mohd Helmy Ibrahim ◽  
Mohd Nazip Suratman ◽  
Razali Abd Kader
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Cell Wall Thickness ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Lumen Diameter ◽  
Significant Difference

Trees planted from agroforestry practices can become valuable resources in meeting the wood requirements of many nations. Gliricidia sepium is an exotic species introduced to the agricultural sector in Malaysia mainly for providing shade for cocoa and coffee plantations. This study investigates its wood physical properties (specific gravity and moisture content) and fibre morphology (length, lumen diameter and cell wall thickness) of G. sepium at three intervals according to age groups ( three, five and seven years of ages). Specific gravity (0.72) was significantly higher at seven years ofage as compared to five (0.41) and three (0.35) years age group with a mean of 0.43 (p<0.05). Mean moisture content was 58.3% with no significant difference existing between the tree age groups. Fibre diameter (22.4 mm) was significantly lower (p<0.05) for the trees which were three years of age when compared to five and seven years age groups (26.6 mm and 24. 7 mm), respectively. Means of fibre length, lumen diameter and cell wall thickness were 0.83 mm, 18.3 mm, and 6.2 mm, respectively, with no significant differences detected between trees in all age groups. Further calculation on the coefficient of suppleness and runkel ratio suggest that wood from G.sepium may have the potential for insulation board manufacturing and paper making. However, future studies should experiment the utilisation of this species for these products to determine its full potential.

HIP FRACTURES IN 5 YEARS AT HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

2014 ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
Duy Binh Ho ◽  
Nghi Thanh Nhan Le ◽  
Maasalu Katre ◽  
Koks Sulev ◽  
Märtson Aare
Keyword(s):  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Femoral Neck ◽  
Hip Fractures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Femoral Fractures ◽  
Femoral Neck Fractures ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Intertrochanteric Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference

Aim: This study aimed to review the clinical findings and surgical intervention of the hip fracture at the Hue University Hospital in Vietnam. Methods:The data of proximal femoral fractures was collected retrospectively. All patients, in a period of 5 years, from Jan 2008 to December 2012, suffered either from intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures. The numbers of patients were gathered separately for each year, by age groups (under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, older) and by sex. We analyzed what kind of treatment options were used for the hip fracture. Results:Of 224 patients (93 men and 131 women) studied, 71% patients are over 70 years old, 103 women and 56 men (p<0.05). For patients under 40 years, there were 1 woman and 11 men (p<0.05). There were 88 intertrochanteric and 136 femoral neck fractures. There was no significant difference in the two fractures between men and women. The numbers of hip fracture increased by each year, 29/224 cases in 2010, 63/224 cases in 2011, 76/224 cases in 2012. Treatment of 88 intertrochanteric fractures: 49 cases (55.7%) of dynamic hip screw (DHS), 14 cases of hemiarthroplasty (15.9%), 2 cases of total hip replacement (2.3%). Treatment of 136 femoral neck fractures: 48 cases of total replacement (35.3%), 43 cases of hemiarthroplasty (31.6%), 15 cases of screwing (11%). In cases of 40 patients (17.9%) hip fracture was managed conservatively, 23 were femoral neck fractures and 17 were intertrochanteric fractures. Conclusions: Hip fracture is growing challenge in Hue medical university hospital. The conservative approach is still high in people who could not be operable due to severe medical conditions as well as for patients with economic difficulties. Over 70% of the hip fractures in people 70+ are caused by osteoporosis. The number of hip fracture is increasing in the following years, most likely due to the increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis. Early detection and prevention of osteoporosis should be addressed, particularly in high risk population. More aggressive surgical approach should be implemented in order to improve the quality of life in patients with hip fractures. Key words:Hip fracture.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in hospitalized patients at a tertiary referral center in North India (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Animesh Ray ◽  
Dr. Komal Singh ◽  
Souvick Chattopadhyay ◽  
Farha Mehdi ◽  
Dr. Gaurav Batra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
North India ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is an important tool to estimate the true extent of infection in a population. However, seroprevalence studies have been scarce in South East Asia including India, which, as of now, carries the third largest burden of confirmed cases in the world. The present study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody among hospitalized patients at one of the largest government hospital in India OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among patients admitted to the Medicine ward and ICU METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India, recruited consecutive patients who were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or CB-NAAT. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels targeting recombinant spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein of SARS CoV-2 were estimated in serum sample by the ELISA method RESULTS A total of 212 hospitalized patients were recruited in the study with mean age (±SD) of 41.2 (±15.4) years and 55% male population. Positive serology against SARS CoV-2 was detected in 19.8%patients(95% CI 14.7-25.8). Residency in Delhi conferred a higher frequency of seropositivity 26.5% (95% CI 19.3-34.7) as compared to that of other states 8% (95% CI 3.0-16.4) with p-value 0.001. No particular age groups or socio-economic strata showed a higher proportion of seropositivity CONCLUSIONS Around, one-fifth of hospitalized patients, who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 before, demonstrated seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2. While there was no significant difference in the different age groups and socio-economic classes; residence in Delhi was associated with increased risk (relative risk of 3.62, 95% CI 1.59-8.21)

How Czecho-Slovakia Bounces Back: Population-Based Validation of the Brief Resilience Scale in Two Central European Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412110296
Author(s):  
Jana Furstova ◽  
Natalia Kascakova ◽  
Iva Polackova Solcova ◽  
Jozef Hasto ◽  
Peter Tavel
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Best Fit

Objective In recent years, resilience has become a focus of research in the medical and behavioral sciences. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was developed to assess the individual ability to recover from stress (“to bounce back”) after experiencing adversities. The aim of the study was to validate the Czech and Slovak versions of the BRS. Methods A representative sample of the Czech and Slovak populations (NCZ = 1800, mean age MCZ = 46.6, SDCZ = 17.4, 48.7% of men; NSK = 1018, mean age MSK = 46.2, SDSK = 16.6, 48.7% men) completed a survey assessing their health and well-being. Several confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models of the BRS were compared to find the best fit. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients of reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating resilience (BRS), physical and mental well-being (SF-8) and psychopathology symptoms (BSI-53). Differences in gender and age groups were appraised. Results A single-factor model with method effects on the reverse items was evaluated to best fit the data in both the Czech and Slovak samples (χ2CZ(6) = 39.0, p < 0.001, CFICZ = 0.998, TLICZ = 0.995, RMSEACZ = 0.055, SRMRCZ = 0.024; χ2SK(6) = 23.9, p < 0.001, CFISK = 0.998, TLISK = 0.995, RMSEASK = 0.054, SRMRSK = 0.009). The reliability was high in both samples (αCZ = 0.80, ωCZ = 0.85; αSK = 0.86, ωSK = 0.91). The BRS was positively associated with physical and mental well-being and negatively associated with somatization, depression and anxiety. In both countries, a lower BRS score was associated with higher age. Czech men reported significantly higher BRS scores than women. No significant difference was found in the mean BRS scores between the two countries. Conclusion This study provides evidence of good psychometric properties, reliability and validity of the Czech and Slovak adaptations of the BRS.

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